217 
first invited to tlie honourable position which I now hold, I accepted it with 
a view to aid, so far as I could, in founding such a Society. I think the time 
has now come when a better man is required to be at the head of the 
Institute, more adapted to the present position of its scientific dignity. I 
cannot aspire to any position of that kind, therefore I only hold my post 
until you can find some one to occupy it with more efficiency than myself. 
I have been very glad to hear what I have heard to-night, and I am very 
grateful for the vote of thanks which you have passed. At this hour I will not 
enter upon the subject which has brought us together. We have been engaged 
in some abstruse and yet at the same time interesting subjects. There are 
points which we might touch upon with a great deal of feeling and propriety 
on this occasion, and which we might hear with advantage. But the best 
thing I can do now is, I think, to say in the words of old Hooker — “ My 
words shall be wary and few.” (Cheers.) 
The proceedings then terminated. 
YOL. vii. 
Q 
